SEA Games torch flown from Kuching to KL

JAKARTA (JP): The flame for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will begin its journey across Malaysia by being flown from the city of Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak in East Malaysia, to Peninsular Malaysia.

The secretary of Sarawak's Ministry of Urbanization and Development, Nicholas Patrick, handed over the flame to Abdul Latif Endot of Rakan Muda, who will fly the airplane, Antara news agency reported on Tuesday.

The airplane was built by the Malaysian Experimental Flight Association as part of the Rakan Muda Air Recreational Program to get youth involved in positive activities.

The flame will be taken on a 745-kilometer journey across the South China Sea to Tioman on the eastern peninsula.

The journey from Kuching to Tioman will be a new Malaysian record for a solo flight by a Malaysian pilot across the South China Sea.

Abdul Latif said he was confident going into the flight. "I am a little bit nervous but with the support of Rakan Muda, I am quite sure I will successfully man the flight."

It is expected to take four hours to reach Tioman, depending on weather conditions.

After a one night stopover in Tioman, the airplane will head for Alor Star, the capital of Kedaah state. The flame is then expected to reach Langkawi island on April 5.

From Langkawi, the torch will be relayed along the peninsula to reach the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, just outside Kuala Lumpur, for the SEA Games opening ceremony on Sept. 8.

The biennial event, which will end on Sept. 17, will feature 32 sports offering a total of 386 gold medals. (nvn)